A Survey on the Knowledge of Heart Failure and Practical Responses in Care Settings by Care Managers Engaged in Home Care Support.

Abstract

A survey was conducted among 829 care managers regarding their knowledge of heart failure and the actual status of their efforts in supporting home care. The correct response rate for questions on how to identify changes in physical condition due to heart failure, the degree of urgency, and the causative disease and its management was 66.5±16.4% (mean±SD). Questions regarding care for elderly patients included the following : “Understanding the pathology and stage of the causative disease,” “Level of vigilance against the development of heart failure in elderly people with cardiovascular disease,” “Whether the care plan checks for heart failure symptoms,” “Status of collaboration with nursing care facilities when there are signs of heart failure,” and “Implementing guidance on blood pressure and weight measurements for patients with heart failure.” Care managers are in a position to notice changes in the daily health status of elderly people. It is thought that activities to encourage awareness of heart failure symptoms in elderly people through care managers could lead to the prevention of heart failure onset.